CNBC launches live streaming app for connected TVs

CNBC is launching applications for connected TVs that allow viewers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to access video programming without subscribing to a pay TV package.

CNBC's connected TV app

The network said Thursday that its CNBC Real-Time TV App allows consumers who buy TVs, Blu-ray players and other devices with Internet connections from Panasonic, Philips, Samsung and other CE manufacturers to access live data from stock exchanges worldwide, interviews with CEOs and other video content.

CNBC hasn't yet launched similar apps for connected TVs for viewers in the United States. While CNBC may be able to expand its audience by delivering content through connected devices, it may see some resistance from cable and DBS affiliates that pay license fees to distribute live TV programming to their subscribers.

When CNBC sister network MSNBC first launched a website tailored for broadband Web surfers a decade ago, it initially ran a simulcast of its live TV channel feed on its site. MSNBC later scrapped the live TV simulcast after cable affiliates protested.

With Sony, Samsung and other CE vendors selling more TVs with Internet connections to U.S. viewers, cable programmers may be able to distribute programming directly to viewers, including those who don't subscribe to pay TV. The challenge for programmers will be to find a way to take advantage of a new distribution outlet without hurting longstanding relationships with cable and satellite distributors.

For more:
- see CNBC's news release
- and this Guardian article

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